ELLOREE – Filing will open on Monday, July 13, for the Elloree Municipal Election scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, the town clerk announced during Elloree Town Council’s July meeting.

Clerk Chasity Canaday said officials whose terms expire include Mayor Van Stickles, Councilman Mike Fanning, Councilman Barbara Butler and Water Commissioner Jane Singh. Filing will end on Friday, July 24, she said.

Also during the July meeting, council approved third and final reading of the town’s 2009-2010 fiscal year budget totaling $520,275. The new spending plan reflects a three-mill tax increase – with the millage rate increasing from 72 to 75. The town’s FY 2008-2009 budget totaled $450,296.

In other business:

* Council approved second reading of a borrowing ordinance in the amount of $70,000 from South Carolina Bank and Trust, with Councilwoman Barbara Butler abstaining, citing conflict of interest. The borrowing ordinance is an annual process utilized by the town to control cash flow, it has been noted.

* Council approved final reading of the town’s franchise agreement with South Carolina Electric and Gas. Stickles said the agreement increases the franchise fee from the previous rate of 3 percent to 5 percent.

* Canaday presented the Police Fines Report for the second quarter, showing the following totals: Total fines collected – $19,231.88; remitted to state treasurer – $9,563.46; retained for Victim’s Assistance Fund – $1,461.66; revenue retained by the town – $8,236.76.

* Council approved expenditures in June for door repairs at the police department, not to exceed $2,500, and the purchase of a sound system, not to exceed $1,000. Canaday reported the door project was under way and requested council rescind approval for the sound system purchase. The clerk also requested additional expenditures, for a total of $1,461.95 for fireworks, banking supplies and the funds necessary to complete equipment installation for the new patrol car. She asked that the remaining revenue in the amount of $4,274.81 be placed in a holding account for future projects. Council approved Councilman Mike Fanning’s motion to accept all the information presented, rescind approval of the sound system purchase and approve all other requested expenditures.

* Frances Waite noted the town’s continuing designation as a Tree City USA. Elloree is celebrating its second year as a Tree City. Waite praised Elloree for its continued dedication and efforts, including the mulching of trees along Highway 6 and a tree pruning seminar.

* Council proclaimed the week of July 19-25 as National Independent Retailers Week.

* Council proclaimed July Recreation and Parks Month. He recognized the members of Elloree’s Citizen Advisory Committee for Parks and Recreation for their efforts in improving Elloree’s parks and recreation facilities.

* Water Commission Chairman Jane Singh reported the commission will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on July 14. She also reported that the water system received approval for a principal forgiveness loan from the federal stimulus program and will utilize the funds for valve improvements.

* Investigator Lin Shirer reported on police department activities during June. He said police apprehended a subject attempting to break into the IGA by cutting a hole in the back door. They also arrested a subject who drove through town at 100 mph and failed to stop for blue lights and sirens. The subject was also charged with driving under suspension and driving under the influence, second offense, Shirer said.

* Canaday reported the gross revenues from Elloree’s Independence Day celebration exceeded $1.500, which will go toward beautification projects.

* Council went into closed, executive session to discuss personnel matters but took no action when it returned to public session.

T&D Correspondent Danielle Sanders can be reached by e-mail at crazyd_308@hotmail.com.

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